Interpersonal Communication in Public Health Settings

SBS 205 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

Communication with others, be they friends, family members, healthcare providers, or AI-powered chatbots, can exert a powerful impact on our health decision-making. The goal of this course is to illuminate the persuasive influence of interpersonal communication on health beliefs, behaviors, and healthcare outcomes, which can be leveraged for public health benefit or detriment by engendering health disparities. This course will provide a foundation of knowledge of the literature on interpersonal communication in healthcare, ranging from the most traditional and formal contexts (e.g., patient-provider communication) to more ubiquitous contexts, such as communicating with a chatbot, virtual assistant, or social robot, as well as applied contexts for understanding the principles of effective interpersonal communication that supports public health for all. This course is designed for a diverse audience, with direct application for any public health advocate, ranging from healthcare providers to public health administrators and leaders.